Herpes And HIV

The Herpes-HIV Connection

HIV infection is the well-known and widespread disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV gradually destroys the body's immune system, making it harder for someone with HIV to fight off infection. People with compromised immune systems due to HIV are therefore at greater risk for contracting herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), commonly referred to as oral and genital herpes.

Similarities Between Herpes and HIV

- Both herpes and HIV are spread through sexual contact with an infected individual

- Both herpes and HIV are spread via bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal discharge

- Both herpes and HIV can be treated but not cured

- In both herpes and HIV, condom use during sex can help reduce but not eliminate the risk of transmission of the disease

- The incidence of both herpes and HIV can be reduced by having a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner

- If you have either herpes or HIV, it is critical that you notify your sexual partners so that they can be tested

- Both herpes and HIV are treated with antiviral medications

- In both herpes and HIV, the virus can be spread from mothers to babies

Statistics

It is estimated that between 60 to 80 percent of patients with HIV are also infected with HSV-2, or genital herpes. Also known as "co-infection," individuals with HIV are at risk for the more severe complications of herpes infections. Working the statistics the other way, it is said that people infected with herpes are four times as likely to contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Complications of Herpes and HIV

Unfortunately, when a person is co-infected with both herpes and HIV, each virus exacerbates the severity of the other, leading to serious and often life-threatening conditions.

Individuals infected with both HSV and HIV are at greater risk for:

•- Pneumonia

•- Hepatitis

•- Liver failure

•- The spread of herpes infection throughout the body

•- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

•- Damaged adrenal glands

•- Ulcers

•- Eczema Herpeticum, a form of herpes infection that leads to widespread skin infection, manifesting as sudden clusters of blisters that spread quickly. This type of herpes primarily affects individuals with pre-existing skin disorders or with compromised immune systems, such as HIV patients. Left untreated, eczema herpeticum can be fatal.

•- Herpes esophagitis, an infection of the esophagus caused by HSV that is prevalent in individuals with suppressed immune systems, such as in HIV, but rare in people with healthy immune systems.